Resistance to Education Attacks in Mexico: Lessons for Oakland
by ClassroomStruggle
Here we take a look at a fraction of the Mexican teachers’ union called the CNTE. La CNTE works within the larger union (the SNTE)–and outside the SNTE in larger social movements–in a variety of ways. This snapshot of their work focuses particularly on Escuelas Integrales (holistic schools). These are schools run by parents and teachers with locally developed and relevant curriculum that stands against the push towards curricula oriented towards standardized tests. They were established through protests and won government funding through more protests. This model offers interesting alternatives to developing locally rooted schools that are not charter schools and not part of the attacks on working class students and teachers. Clearly, we should investigate them more. In the meantime, however, let us know your reaction to them in the comment section below. Also we’ve included discussion questions below if you would like to study this with friends and allies.
Author’s Note: The information within this article about education struggles in Mexico comes mainly from a conversation with one Mexican teacher who